KNIFE SHARPENING MADE EASY: MR. SHARPE

By John Grossi

Photos by Monique Kuhlman

When I first got my knives sharpened at a farmer’s market by Mr. Sharpe a few years ago, I couldn’t believe the difference! All of the sudden, every knife in my block cut better than the one I previously considered my best knife! If you haven’t sharpened your home knives in the past year and chopping veggies seems to be harder than it should, you likely don’t need new knives, you just need to get your current knives sharpened!

Melvin Giles (left) & Alan Schroder (right) at their Willow St. shop in Signal Hill

After years of sharpening knives from the back of their van, Long Beach locals Alan Schroder and Melvin Giles have opened a brick and mortar “sharpening shop.” Having served both restaurant and home chefs across Southern California via the mobile model, the new “Mr. Sharpe” shop makes it easier than ever for the Long Beach cooking community to get the most out of their knives with regular maintenance. 

Alan left his career as an insurance agent, convincing Melvin to come along. Together, they took over the former business “Perfect Edge,” which had been sharpening knives professionally in the area for over 20 years. Alan and Melvin soon also took over another knife sharpening business where the previous owner was retiring, making Mr. Sharpe pretty much the only local option. Alan and Melvin are thrilled to make the most of this opportunity to work with their hands and make a difference in the local restaurant community and beyond!

Located on Willow Street in Signal Hill, Mr. Sharpe’s showroom is open Tuesday - Saturday for chefs of all levels to come get their knives sharpened.

It’s quick (just takes about 10 minutes), affordable, and the difference in everyday cutting is palpable! Mr. Sharpe can sharpen ALL kinds of blades (even serrated) with most kitchen knives and scissors costing $10-$12.

Mr. Sharpe’s showroom also carries a variety of chef-grade knives for purchase, with a focus on teaching consumers how to get the most out of their knives.

Attention Restaurant Owners and Professional Chefs:

Mr. Sharpe’s commercial knife sharpening business is their bread and butter. Staying ahead of the wear and tear wrought on knives in a professional kitchen is their number one priority. Doing so with unmatched, local customer service and low prices makes them the best choice in Southern California! Whether you’re in their “bi-monthly knife swap program,” or request regular on-site sharpening, Alan, Melvin, and their team make sure sharp knives are never something you have to worry about!

Mr. Sharpe services the entire Southern California region and is always willing to sharpen on location at your home or business. But for Long Beach residents, dropping off knives in person is definitely the easiest and most cost-effective option!

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Mr. Sharpe is located in Signal Hill at 3100 E. Willow St., Signal Hill, 90755. They are open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am-4:30pm, and Wednesday and Saturday from 9am-1pm. No appointment necessary!

Learn more online at themrsharpe.com or call (562) 895-6567.